Trinity Western University congratulates Harrison Goeldner as the recipient of the Microbiology Murdock Poster Prize, achieved at the 2023 Murdock College Science Research Conference that highlights collaborative faculty-student research.
Celebrating research at TWU
This month, TWU’s Faculty of the Natural and Applied Sciences hosted a celebratory event to recognize Goeldner's award and to highlight the faculty and student researchers who supported or participated in the projects presented at the most recent Murdock College Science Research Conference.
Exploring ways to counter bacterial biofilm
Goeldner, who was among winners of TWU's 2023 Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), conducted research under the supervision of Dr. Laura Onyango on potential solutions to counter bacterial biofilm, a problem of global environmental concern. It was this research that paved the way for his participation at the 2023 Murdock College Science Research Conference last November.
TWU offers many opportunities for students to pursue research, academic writing, and research publication—all under guidance and mentorship from faculty experts.
Researching solutions to a global health risk
Biofilm is the accumulation of bacteria on surfaces, including piping and equipment used in medical settings or during food processing, and it can lead to the spread of infection and disease. Scientists are continually looking for better and more effective ways to manage the problem of biofilm. Goeldner’s project, guided by Dr. Onyango and supported by a team of student researchers, focused on testing the effectiveness of zinc as an environmentally friendly and cheaper alternative to inhibit bacteria growth.
At the Murdock conference, Goeldner presented on his research through a poster titled, “Antibacterial Efficacy of Zn Based Particles Against Biofilm Forming Bacteria.” The project was the outcome of several years of work involving literature review, team collaboration, and lab experiments.
Several TWU students participated in the 2023 Murdock College Science Research Conference. They were joined by participants from 30 universities and colleges who showcased their research through posters and oral presentations.
TWU students join academic conferences
TWU offers many opportunities for students to pursue research, academic writing, and research publication—all under guidance and mentorship from faculty experts. Academic conferences are among the opportunities for significant learning, networking, and memorable experiences.
Goeldner and several TWU students participated in the Murdock research conference held in Vancouver, Washington last fall. They were joined by participants from 30 universities and colleges who showcased their research through posters and oral presentations. TWU’s Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Dr. Glen Van Brummelen was present at the conference as well, serving as one of the judges for the student presentations.
Developing student researchers
Dean Van Brummelen expressed how pleased he was by the excellence of TWU’s upper-level science students, commenting that he was impressed by their achievements. He also credits the commitment of faculty supervisors as being key to why students do so well. TWU’s Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences faculty members are known for their commitment to teaching, mentoring, encouraging, and developing student researchers. Opportunities to apply for research grants and summer research positions are available to students every year.
Persisting through challenges
Dr. Laura Onyango was supervisor to Goeldner and played an integral role in overseeing the research project. Dr. Onyango recalls that although there were challenges throughout the research project, the team was able to achieve good results through their diligence. She affirmed that the student researchers were “very hardworking and willing to go the extra mile… willing to learn and be challenged.”
Celebrating our student researchers
Below is a list of TWU students who participated at the 2023 Murdock College Science Research (MCSR) Conference, along with their poster or presentation titles, and faculty supervisors.
Aidan Anderson (co-presenter)
Title: Microsite Habitat Characteristics of Reynoutria spp. in the Chilliwack River
Supervisor: David Clements
Jaylene Braithwaite (co-presenter)
Title: Microsite Habitat Characteristics of Reynoutria spp. in the Chilliwack River
Supervisor: David Clements
Harrison Goeldner
Title: Antibacterial Efficacy of Zinc Based Microparticles Against Biofilm Forming Bacteria
Supervisor: Laura Onyango
Micaela Horngren-Rhodes
Title: Comparative Assessment of Amino Acids for the Synthesis of Zinc Based Compounds and their Antibacterial Efficacy
Supervisors: Shane Durbach and Laura Onyango
Sarah Demian
Title: Climate Change and the Spread of Reynoutria spp.- Along the Chilliwack River Post 2021 Flood
Supervisor: David Clements
Alexis Graves
Title: Restoration of Former Gravel Pit at Blaauw Eco Forest, Langley, BC
Supervisor: David Clements
Santiago Gallo
Title: Comparative analysis of Canadian East and West Coast Monotropa uniflora wax composition
Supervisor: Miriam Buschhaus
Kristin Korten
Title: Dispersal and behaviour of adult and juvenile American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in southwest British Columbia and northwest Washington
Supervisor: Karen Steensma
About the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at TWU
The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences offers exceptional and rigorous educational experiences, both in the classroom and the lab. As a TWU student, your science education will be delivered by capable, committed Christian educators who are not only experts in their fields but scholars who continually advance their disciplines through research. Mentorship is helped by our small class sizes—whether you choose to study biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, geography and the environment, geology, mathematics, or physics. Learn more at the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at TWU.
About Research at TWU
TWU researchers are award-winning professors, nationally recognized educators, and intellectually engaged students. Together, they are enriching our programming, contributing to society, and revealing the necessity of faith integration in research. Learn more at TWU Research.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.